WowWee Bladestar Flame Indoor Flyer
by Wow Wee
Our Price: $99.99
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: Toy
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: Wow WeeBrand: Wow Wee
Release Date: 2008-03-25
Model: 4055W
Product features:
- Safe for Indoor Use in Autonomous Mode, or Use Remote Controller in Pilot Mode
- Built In Sensor Detection to Avoid Obstacles and Fly Away from Them
- Ultra Light and Flexible / EPP Body Construction
- Two Wings that Spin with Helicopter Like Movement
- Choose Between Beginner and Expert Level Settings
- Sony Cycle Energy 2000 mAh Pre-Charged AA Rechargeable Batteries
- Sanyo Eneloop AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries - 4 Pack
- Sony 2500 mAh AA Rechargeable Nimh Batteries, 4-pack
- Energizer E91BP-16H Max AA Alkaline Battery (16 Pack)
Toys and Games Reviews of WowWee Bladestar Flame Indoor Flyer
Customer Review: A hands on lesson in gyroscopic effect
Summary: 4 Stars
I am both amazed and saddened at some of the negative reviews about this little wonder. "It is hard to control" "it's cheap" blah blah blah.
I saw this little buzzer at my local radio shack, and as a pilot and dabler in aeronautics, was quite amazed at what I was seeing. So I got one for myself.
After very easy assembly and just as easy initial charge, it was ready to go. Looking at it you are not looking at just any flying machine, there is no way a camera can be put on it presently due to the fact there is no non-spinning part on it when flying.
After a bit of a learning curve I soon discovered that like all gyros this flier reacts to control inputs much differently than one would think. The way the controls work is quite ingenious, if inefficient. Directional control is done by pulsing on motor on and off for a split second at a specific point of rotation. The problem with this is, just like with a twin engined aircraft, the loss of power on one engine results in a 75 to 80 percent of overall power for flight. For this flier that results in substantial altitude loss for a fraction of a second until the other motor compensates for this by increasing power. You will notice this by a slight to drastic dip in height when trying to maneuver. Now for those complaining about this, do you not understand the complexity of this operation? This is amazing stuff. This is not an airplane, or helicopter, it is a design all it's own. The reason for its "cheap" construction is because it is a tiny flying machine, and like all flying machines is limited in its weight, which unfortunately leads to very "cheap" looking parts which are really not all that "cheap".
Oh, I have gotten smacked by one of the wings, in the face. For the person that was saying this was a dangerous toy, I can safely say you are completely wrong. One's face does more damage to the flier than it does to you.
Instead of complaining and whining why don't people just understand that this is quite a feat of engineering, and like many feats of engineering are not easily learned. I have been able to take off, fly around and bring it in for a soft landing within one day, with the damage to only one set of wings.
The AI or autopilot leaves a little to be desired, as does the IR control signals. But I would think a radio type control may add a bit too much weight. Because of the type of control signal the control must always face the spinning flier. The avoidance system (AI) is just a bit too sluggish. Also if you get too close to the ceiling the rotor down force will literally suck the unit against the ceiling which requires cutting power entirely to bring it back down, which usually results in a rapid descent that takes a bit to recover from before ground impact.
This thing is fun, pure and simple, once you learn all its quirks.
I recommend it for those that don't mind putting some effort into such a thing
Description of WowWee Bladestar Flame Indoor Flyer
Bladestar is a revolutionary indoor flying machine that changes helicopter flight as we know it. This is the first flying toy with a sensor-based navigation that enables it to glide itself through the air as it avoids ceilings and other obstacles. Alternatively you can control it with the three-channel digital IR controller, and with the dogfight accessory attached you can face-off two bladestars to see who will win. When you notice power loss, simply recharge right from the controller. Made from light "high-flex" materials and designed to be crash-resistant, Bladestar is built for indoor flight. Requires 6 "AA" batteries, not included.Electronics for Kids Toys
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